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Is reducing weight categories the correct decision? The case of judo athletes with visual impairments under new categories
Kons, Rafael Lima Ache-Dias, Jonathan Till, Joshua Detanico, Daniele
Kons, Rafael Lima
Ache-Dias, Jonathan
Till, Joshua
Detanico, Daniele
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2025-05-23
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Accepted manuscript, under embargo until 23 November 2026
Adobe PDF, 950.43 KB
- Embargoed until 2026-11-23
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Abstract
Purpose: This study examines the impact of the new weight categorization for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games on performance outcomes in judo athletes with visual impairments, focusing on body mass.
Design: Data from 146 para athletes (78 males, 68 females) were analysed, assessing body mass and performance outcomes (win ratio, scoring index, standing variability, and groundwork variability) across the new weight categories. Two-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation were used to assess differences and relationships with the level at 5%.
Findings: Body mass did not significantly differ between the J1 and J2 classes, except in the female heavyweight category (p=0.034). A positive correlation between body mass and performance outcomes (r=0.49-0.61; p<0.05) was found in the male middleweight category, suggesting that para athletes near the upper weight limit may have an advantage. The unification of categories, such as half-lightweight and half-middleweight, may disadvantage para athletes previously placed in separate divisions.
Practical Implications: Reducing the number of weight categories may affect equity and performance outcomes, highlighting the need for further research into the long-term effects.
Originality: This study offers unique insights into the impact of weight categorization changes on performance and fairness in Paralympic judo, providing valuable data for future considerations in weight class modifications.
Citation
Kons, R.L., Ache-Dias, J., Till, J., Lane, A.M., Cloak, R. and Detanico, D. (2025) Is reducing weight categories the correct decision? The case of judo athletes with visual impairments under new categories. Managing Sport and Leisure.
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Type
Journal article
Language
en
Description
This is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Managing Sport & Leisure on 23/05/2025, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23750472.2025.2506614. The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.
Series/Report no.
ISSN
2375-0472
EISSN
2375-0480